``We've had a number of discussions with some people, yes,'' said Kevin Shea, senior vice president of economic development for the chamber, who stayed in town this week rather than participate in an annual Washington lobbying trip with other local economic development officials. `` I can't really give any details about anything.''

Mayor Bob Young said the company looking at King Mill would resume operations if it bought the mill. He said it would likely be weeks before a decision is made.

``It's legit,'' Mr. Young said of the interest. ``We're fortunate that someone would be interested.''

However, the mayor warned against getting hopes to high, adding that ``all of this is highly tentative.''

Mr. Shea said any similar industry that hopes to reopen the mill and try to fill lingering orders of the J.P. King Manufacturing Division of Spartan International would have to move quickly.

The May 4 closing of the mill, which is more than a century old, put 306 people out of work. General Electric Capital Corp. seized the assets of the former Spartan Mills after it defaulted on financial agreements. Officials closed operations at five other mills in the Carolinas and Georgia and the corporate office in Spartanburg that same day.

Meanwhile Wednesday, Michael R. Williams, who worked for Spartan International for 28 years, filed suit in Union County, S.C., against the former textile maker, its owner and its president, in addition to GE.

He said Spartan International officials conspired with GE, the company's creditor, to close the plants. His lawsuit seeks class action status.

Mr. Williams alleges that GE conspired with the company's chief executive officer and owner, Walter S. Montgomery Jr., and its president, Barry Leonard, to violate loan agreements, and that their actions hurt Spartan International employees.

GE officials had not seen the complaint as of Friday and could not comment on it, spokesman John Oliver said.

Associated Press reports were used in this article.

Reach Eric Williamson at (706) 828-3904.